Doping and driving: South Africa’s hidden risk

There’s a dangerous misconception that drug use can’t be detected at roadblocks, and unfortunately,... 

South Africans have long learnt to fear breathalysers at roadblocks, but a growing number of drivers believe they can bypass the system by using substances like cannabis, which traditional alcohol tests can’t detect. This belief, while alarming, is not unfounded, and it’s becoming a serious issue. Doping and driving, a form of substance abuse on the roads, is on the rise, yet remains largely unchecked by standard roadside enforcement.

According to Rhys Evans, Managing Director at ALCO-Safe, “There’s a dangerous misconception that drug use can’t be detected at roadblocks, and unfortunately, that’s often true.” He explains that because most routine stops rely solely on breathalysers, which are only calibrated to detect alcohol, the use of banned substances frequently goes unnoticed, making our roads far more hazardous than we realise.

The data deficit on drugged driving

Understanding the true scale of doping and driving in South Africa is difficult due to a glaring lack of data. Unlike alcohol, where breathalyser readings are standard and widely recorded, there is no equivalent doping test routine for drugs. Even after serious accidents, comprehensive toxicology tests are rarely conducted. As Evans points out, “The rise in cannabis use and other banned substances makes it very likely that drug-impaired driving is far more common than we realise.”

He notes that anecdotal evidence and logic suggest a worrying reality. With private cannabis use now decriminalised and recreational drug use widespread, it’s reasonable to assume that the number of impaired drivers is growing, particularly since they know there’s little chance of getting caught. “Drivers aren’t seeing drug tests at roadblocks, so they assume they can get away with it,” Evans adds. This situation is reminiscent of doping cases in sports, where athletes attempt to evade detection.

Roadside tests aren’t built for drugs

The core issue lies in the limitations of the equipment used. Standard breathalysers are chemically engineered to detect alcohol only. This means they offer no insight into whether someone is under the influence of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, or even prescription drugs like opioids. “We’re letting drug-impaired drivers pass through checkpoints simply because the technology isn’t there,” Evans warns. “That’s a recipe for disaster.”

He stresses that without a reliable way to screen for substance abuse at the roadside, law enforcement is operating blind, and this creates a loophole that reckless drivers are exploiting with little fear of consequences.

Innovative tech offers hope

Despite the bleak reality, emerging technology presents a promising solution. New mobile drug-testing devices, similar to those used by anti-doping agencies like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), are capable of detecting a wide range of substances via a saliva sample within minutes. Evans explains that “These tools are fast, accurate, and easy to use. There’s no reason we can’t implement them here if the legal framework is ready.”

The process is simple: a swab collects saliva from a driver, which is then inserted into a compact analyser. Within five minutes, the system can detect banned substances like THC, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates. Compared to urine testing, which is invasive and slow, this method is ideal for roadside enforcement. It could create a real deterrent and dramatically improve road safety if used consistently.

Legal framework still lags behind

While the technology exists, South Africa’s legislation has yet to catch up. Currently, there are no officially approved roadside drug-testing devices, and no legal thresholds exist to define impairment levels for various substances. “We need to update the Road Traffic Act to define what levels of drugs are illegal and to ensure that results from these tests hold up in court,” says Evans. This situation mirrors the challenges faced in implementing anti-doping regulations in sports.

Without clear guidelines for testing procedures, training for officers, and defined legal consequences, even the best devices will be of little use. Evans adds, “It’s not just about buying equipment; it’s about building a whole system that can support and enforce the law effectively, similar to how an anti-doping agency operates.”

Learning from other countries

Fortunately, South Africa does not need to start from scratch. Countries like Australia, the UK, and Germany have implemented successful roadside drug-testing protocols that South Africa can learn from. “We should look to international examples to avoid the mistakes others have already overcome,” says Evans. These countries have developed comprehensive anti-doping regulations for road safety that could serve as models.

He believes that with the right combination of legal reform, training, and technology, South Africa can drastically improve its ability to detect and deter doping and driving. The message will be clear: drug-impaired driving won’t go unnoticed and won’t go unpunished. By adopting strategies similar to those used by WADA and other anti-doping agencies, South Africa can make significant strides in combating this dangerous form of substance abuse on its roads.